Homer Merle Combs October 4, 1928 - February 8, 2022

October 4, 1928 – February 8, 2022

Homer Merle Combs, 93, of Hughson, CA passed away peacefully at his home on the eve of February 8th, 2022. 

Homer was born on the 4th day of October 1928 in Yoder, Colorado to Andrew W. and Della Combs.

The Combs family moved to the town of Hughson in 1935, where the family settled and began work on the Tomlinson dairy.  Homer attended school in Hughson and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17, where he rose to the rank of Motor Machinist Mate 3rd Class.  Upon returning from serving his country, Homer worked various jobs throughout the area where he met his first wife and resided in Merced.  The two parted ways a few years later.  During these years Homer took up a job he loved working as a Projectionist in the Merced Theatre.  While working at the theatre, Homer met the soon-to-be love of his life.

On April 24th, 1960, Homer and Lillian (Souza) were married in Merced, CA.  During this time Homers father had passed and Homer took over his father’s pump company.  Homer and Lillian began their family and Homer continued to repair pumps and drill well’s under the company “Homer Combs Pumps” which he started in the late 1950’s.  “The Pump Man”, as many in Hughson came to know Homer by, provided 24/7 service to the greater Stanislaus County area for nearly 60 years. 

During his free time, you could always find Homer at his favorite seat sipping a cup of coffee or enjoying a milkshake inside Hamilton’s Cafe. Homer spent many hours riding horses, ranching, pushing horns and continuing the cowboy lifestyle that he grew up knowing.  His fondest memories are the times spent with family and friends on the Morrison Ranch. 

Homer saw a great future for the town of Hughson and worked countless hours to secure an independent water and sewer system for Hughson along with establishing a police force.  Which in turn moved Hughson one step closer to establishing its Charter.  Hughson eventually became a City and Homer had the honor to be a council member of the Inaugural Hughson City Council that took office December 13, 1972.  Homer served as the first Vice-Mayor and as a representative for Hughson on the SAG Board during his tenure of service to the community.  In addition to his civil service, Homer was a long-standing member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F)- Hughson Chapter, where in 2014 he was recognized for his 70 years of association.

Homers greatest joy in his life was his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  All the kids loved Grandpa Homer, his daily visits to their house, cuddling with him in his recliner or playing in the living room. 

Homer was preceded in death by his parents (Andrew W. “Joe”/Della Combs), his brothers (Frank, Bernard & Hayden), and his beautiful wife of 53 years- Lillian. 

Homer is survived by his sister Delpha Cocke of Hughson, son David Combs (Leora) of Copperopolis, son Brad Combs (Sandra), son Keith Combs, and daughter Kristine Durham (Shawn) of Hughson.  He is also survived by his four grandchildren (Amy, Tanya, Eric, Heather) along with 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

A viewing will be held on Thursday February 17th, 2022, at Allen Mortuary in Turlock from 4pm-7pm. A memorial service will be held February 18th, 2022, at the Hughson First Baptist Church at 11 o’clock in the morning.  The church is located at 7313 Pine St. Hughson, CA. A graveside service will follow the memorial service at Lakewood Cemetery on Santa Fe Ave in Hughson.